Aiming device for improving golf putting and chipping

ABSTRACT

This aiming device allows golfers to improve their putting and chipping skills. The aiming device is generally u-shaped, and is inserted into a golf cup during practice. The ends of the u-shape are brightly colored to provide a visual clue assisting golfers to aim on the “pro-side” while putting. The aiming device can also be used for practice when the golfer is not at a golf course by placing the aiming device on the floor or ground and chipping or putting using the aiming device as the target. In addition, the aiming device can serve as an advertising medium. The aiming device can be used in a horseshoe-type game by tossing the aiming device at a golf tee or other similar object. The aiming device can also be used in a croquette-type game by standing the device on end and aiming a golf ball through the opening created.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP

[0002] Not Applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] This aiming device provides visual clues to allow golfers toimprove their putting and chipping skills either on the golf course, oraway from the golf course.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is designed to improve putting and chippingwhile at the golf course or on a putting green with actual golf holes.In addition, the present invention can be used either indoors or awayfrom a golf hole. The invention is designed to help the golfer focus onthe “pro-side” spot while golfing. The pro-side spot is the spot on thegolf hole where, if the golf ball passes over that spot, the golf ballwill have the best chance of going into the hole.

[0005] A variety of devices for improving putting and chipping have beenproposed. None of these inventions help the golfer focus on the“pro-side” spot.

[0006] Moreover, many of these devices are designed to be usedspecifically indoors or specifically at a golf course, while the presentinvention may be used either indoors or with an actual golf hole. Forexample, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,106, issued to Shore on Mar. 1, 1988;U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,560, issued to Kehoe on Jul. 25, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.3,659,856, issued to Fatur on May 2, 1972; U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,033,issued to Miner on Aug. 29, 1989; and D385,610, issued to McDonald onOct. 28, 1997. These indoor devices are acceptable for practicingputting and chipping when practicing indoors or away from the golfcourse is the only option. However, devices that are used apart from thegolf cup cannot fully simulate the actual experience of putting on agolf green, and sinking the ball into a real golf cup. Moreover, none ofthese devices provide visual clues to help focus the golfer's mind onthe best spot for sinking a putt. For example, Kehoe (U.S. Pat. No.5,435,560) teaches that the golf ball must roll across a black circleand stop before a stripe placed on the ground. However, Kehoe does notteach the golfer to focus on the best spot on the simulated golf holefor sinking the putt.

[0007] Other devices have been described that are designed to be usedwith the golf cup. For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,559, issued toPlopper on Apr. 27, 1993 describes a device that can be inserted intothe golf cup and used to improve putting and chipping skills by reducingthe size of the golf hole. Plopper discloses a thin “cover” that coverspart of the golf hole, and extends out onto the surrounding grass.Unlike the present invention, Plopper permits the golf ball to roll overthe thin cover and into the golf hole from any angle. Thus, Plopper doesnot provide any assistance in determining the pro-side, or the best,spot for sinking a putt. In addition, unlike the present invention,Plopper makes it more difficult to sink a putt by making the holesmaller.

[0008] Another example of a device that may be used in conjunction withthe golf hole is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,071, issued to Barrset al., on Dec. 26, 1995. Barrs discloses a thin annulus that is placedon the golf hole, and covers part of the golf hole, preferably reducingthe size of the golf hole. The Barrs device contains markings on theannulus. Barrs, like Plopper, allows the golf ball to roll over thedevice and enter the golf hole from any angle. Thus, Barrs does notrequire the golfer to focus on the pro-side spot when placing the aimingdevice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An important aspect to successful golfing is putting.Professional golfers are taught to aim on the “pro-side” of the cupwhile putting and chipping. The pro-side is the best spot on the holefor sinking the ball. The pro-side is not necessarily the side of thecup closest to the golfer. For example, if the golf hole is on a smallhill the golfer should aim to the back side of the cup so that the golfball essentially falls into the hole.

[0010] The aiming device encourages golfers to visualize the pro-sidespot. The aiming device is used during practice. The golfer places theu-shaped aiming device into the golf cup. The golf ball will only gointo the golf hole if it goes through the opening in the u-shaped aimingdevice. Therefore, the golfer must decide where to place the opening inthe aiming device when inserting the aiming device into the golf hole.The golfer must focus his or her mind and determine where the pro-sidespot is. Then, while putting or chipping, the brightly colored ends ofthe aiming device provide visual reinforcement of the location of thepro-side spot, and further serve to concentrate the golfer's mind on thebest spot for sinking the put.

[0011] In addition, the aiming device can be used without a golf hole.The golfer simply places the aiming device on the floor or ground andchips or puts into the aiming device.

[0012] The invention also discloses two methods of using the aimingdevice as a game. In the first method, the device is tossed toward agolf tee or other similar object. The object of the game is to catch theaiming device on the golf tee in a manner similar to a game ofhorseshoes. The second method involves placing the u-shaped device onend, and putting a golf ball through the opening, in a game similar tocroquette.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0013] Several of the objects and advantages of the present inventionare described below.

[0014] One object of the invention is to assist in improving aiming forgolf putting and chipping.

[0015] It is a further object to provide an aiming device that is easyto insert and easy to remove, and that will fit into a standard golfhole on a golf course.

[0016] It is still a further object to provide an inexpensive aimingdevice.

[0017] It is still a further object to provide an aiming device that islightweight, so that is may be carried in a golf bag.

[0018] It is still a further object to provide a device that can be usedeither with a golf hole, or apart from the golf hole.

[0019] It is still a further object to provide a method of using thedevice for a horseshoe-type game.

[0020] It is still a further object to provide a method of using thedevice for a croquette-type game.

[0021] Further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of theinvention.

[0023]FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment ofthe invention.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theinvention.

[0025]FIG. 4 is a perspective side view showing an embodiment of theinvention.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a perspective side view showing an embodiment of theinvention.

[0027]FIG. 6 is a perspective side view showing an embodiment of theinvention.

[0028]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention as described in onemethod claim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring to the drawings, the invention is a generally u-shapeddevice that may be placed into a golf hole to assist with aiming whileputting or chipping. The aiming device is preferably made of durableplastic that is somewhat flexible, although the device may be made ofany material that is strong, lightweight, moldable, and slightlyflexible, including but not limited to, metal, wood, or baked clay.

[0030] The aiming device is designed to fit inside a standard golf hole26, as shown in FIG. 1. The aiming device has two arms 16 which projectout from the central area 12. Arms 16 are thick enough to support theaiming device on top of the golf hole. Arms 16 taper down to ends 10.Ends 10 are thinner than arms 16, and will permit a golf ball that ishit sufficiently hard to roll over ends 10, and into the golf hole. Thegolf ball typically will not roll over arms 16. In the preferredembodiment, ends 10 are brightly colored so that the golfer may easilyvisualize the target area. Arms 16 and ends 10 are connected to sidewall 14. Side wall 14 fits into the golf hole, and holds the aimingdevice in place through gentle friction against the side of the golfhole, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0031] The aiming device is placed into the golf hole by gentlysqueezing arms 16 or ends 10. The gentle squeezing will slightlycompress arms 16, allowing side walls 14 to be easily inserted into thegolf hole.

[0032] The preferred embodiment of the aiming device has a central area12 extending up from arms 16 to provide a means for gripping the aimingdevice. Central area 12 expedites removal of the aiming device from thegolf hole. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein centralarea 12 has indentations 28 on either the front or back face, or both,to provide a better grip on the aiming device. Central area 12 may alsohave logos or advertising placed on the front or back face, or both.

[0033] Also shown in FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment for securingthe u-shaped device. In this embodiment, arms 16 and/or ends 10 have oneor more holes 20 through which a golf tee, or other similarly shapeddevice, 22 may be inserted. The golf tee, or other similarly shapeddevice, 22 is pressed through the hole 20 and into the ground, securingthe u-shaped device in place.

[0034] An alternative embodiment of the invention does not have centralarea 12, as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the arms 16 areconnected in one continuous arc, without any central area 12.

[0035]FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment for side wall 14. In thealternative embodiment, a plurality of projections 18 are spaced alongthe bottom of arms 16 and/or ends 10. The projections 18 will hold theaiming device in place through gentle friction against the side of thegolf hole.

[0036] A standard golf hold has a diameter of four and one-half inches.The distance “d” shown in FIG. 2 is the distance between the open ends10 of the u-shaped aiming device. Distance “d” can be varied dependingon the skill of the golfer. In the preferred embodiment for an advancedor expert golfer, distance “d” will be approximately three inches. Inthe preferred embodiment for beginner golfers, distance “d” will beapproximately four to four and one-half inches. It will be appreciatedthat distance “d” can be any distance depending on the skill and theneeds of the golfer. When distance “d” is smaller than the diameter ofthe golf hole the golfer will have to focus on the best spot for sinkingthe put during practice. Then, during a game, the golf hole will providea bigger area for sinking the put, thereby improving the golfer's game.

[0037] The aiming device does not have to be placed in a golf hole. Agolfer may use the aiming device by placing it on the ground or floor,and chipping or putting into the aiming device. Thus, a golfer may useit to practice while another golfer is putting during a game, or agolfer may use it indoors. An alternative embodiment of the invention isshown in FIG. 5 in which the device lacks either side wall 14 orprojections 18. This alternative embodiment is preferably used indoorsor away from a golf hole.

[0038]FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, level 24 is placed on top of the central area 12. Level 24is similar to a typical carpenter's level and has liquid with a smallair bubble encased in a see-through housing. Level 24 is used to helpposition the invention properly by helping the golfer identify and focuson the pro-side spot. Thus, when the invention is on a small hill theair bubble in level 24 will be off-center and will indicate the tilt ofthe ground. This will help the golfer to identify where to place theopening of the device.

[0039] The invention also includes a method of using the aiming devicein a “horse-shoe” type game. A golf tee, or other similar object, isplaced in the ground at a desired distance away from the player. Theplayer takes the aiming device and attempts to toss it so that itcatches on the golf tee. This method can be used by golf players whilewaiting on the golf course, or by others at other times.

[0040] The invention also includes a method of using the aiming devicein a croquette-type game. This method may be used with any embodimentpreviously described. However, the preferred embodiment for use with theclaimed method is shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the ends 10 areuntapered, or blunt ends 10A. Blunt ends 10A may still be brightlycolored, as are ends 10. To use the invention according to this method,the unshaped device is placed on the ground 30, balancing on blunt ends10A, as shown in FIG. 7. The golfer will attempt to put or chip the golfball 32 through the hole created by the unshaped device and the ground.

[0041] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Theembodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the inventionbeing indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, all changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A aiming device for golf comprising: (a) au-shape of such contour and arc that it conforms to the size and shapeof the edge of a standard golf hole, the u-shape having a verticalaltitude so that a rolling golf may only enter the interior of theu-shape through the opening created by the u-shape, and (b) a downwardprojection connected to the u-shape, and conforming to the size andshape of the interior edge of a standard golf hole for positioning andholding the u-shape in place along the edge of the golf hole, whereinthe golfer aims the golf ball so that it must proceed through theopening created by the u-shape in order to enter the interior of theu-shape.
 2. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the downwardprojection connected to the u-shape is a solid wall projecting down fromthe u-shape.
 3. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein thedownward projection connected to the u-shape is a plurality ofprojections extending down from the u-shape.
 4. An aiming deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the vertical altitude of the u-shapedecreases so that the vertical altitude becomes smaller toward the endsof the u-shaped device.
 5. An aiming device according to claim 1 whereinthe ends of the u-shape are a different color than the rest of theaiming device.
 6. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the sizeof the opening created by the u-shape ranges from an opening the widthof a standard golf ball to an opening the width of a standard golf hole.7. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the u-shaped devicecontains one or more holes through which a peg may be inserted to securethe u-shaped device to the ground.
 8. An aiming device according toclaim 1 wherein the u-shape consists of two arms extending from acentral area, and where the central area extends upwardly from, and ishigher than, the two arms.
 9. An aiming device according to claim 8wherein the central area contains a means for gripping the central area.10. An aiming device according to claim 8 wherein the central areacontains a logo or advertisement.
 11. An aiming device according toclaim 1 having a sealed liquid and air bubble level in a housing andpermanently affixed to the u-shaped device.
 12. A aiming device for golfcomprising a u-shape of such contour and arc that it conforms to thesize and shape of the edge of a standard golf hole, the u-shape having avertical altitude so that a rolling golf may only enter the interior ofthe u-shape through the opening created by the u-shape, wherein thegolfer aims the golf ball so that it must proceed through the openingcreated by the u-shape in order to enter the interior of the u-shape.13. An aiming device according to claim 12 wherein the vertical altitudeof the u-shape decreases so that the vertical altitude becomes smallertoward the ends of the u-shaped device.
 14. An aiming device accordingto claim 12 wherein the ends of the u-shape are a different color thanthe rest of the aiming device.
 15. An aiming device according to claim12 wherein the size of the opening created by the u-shape ranges from anopening the width of a standard golf ball to an opening the width of astandard golf hole.
 16. An aiming device according to claim 12 whereinthe u-shaped device contains one or more holes through which a peg maybe inserted to secure the u-shaped device to the ground.
 17. An aimingdevice according to claim 12 wherein the u-shape consists of two armsextending from a central area, and where the central area extendsupwardly from, and is higher than, the two arms.
 18. An aiming deviceaccording to claims 17 wherein the central area contains a means forgripping the central area.
 19. An aiming device according to claims 17wherein the central area contains a logo or advertisement.
 20. An aimingdevice according to claim 12 having a sealed liquid and air bubble levelin a housing and permanently affixed to the u-shaped device.
 21. Amethod of using the aiming device in a game comprising: (a) placing anupwardly projecting object in the ground at a distance; and (b) tossingthe aiming device toward the upwardly projecting object, attempting tocatch the aiming device on the upwardly projecting object.
 22. A methodof using the aiming device in a game according to claim 21 wherein theupwardly projecting object is a golf tee.
 23. A method of using theaiming device in a game comprising: (a) placing the unshaped device sothat it stands vertically on the ends; and (b) putting or attempting toputt a golf ball through the space created between the u-shaped deviceand the ground.